If you are looking for some fun on a budget, we have compiled a list of national retailers with free in-store events, workshops, camps, clinics and more! A few on our fantastic list may have a fee and in those instances, I mention it next to the description. The goal is to find and share free or almost free fun for those of us on a budget.
Share this fun, money-saving list with your friends and family. If you know of any other free weekend events to include, please let us know! It’s always best to call ahead to ensure your local store is participating to avoid disappointment.
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Find Pumpkin Patches
PumpkinPatches.com lists pumpkin patches by location. Some of these will have a fee or admission. Enter your location for details.
Find Orchards and Farms for Picking Produce
Find places to pick your own fruits and vegetables at PickYourOwn.org and at LocalHarvest.org.
Find a Playground
Playground Buddy is a free app with a worldwide directory of over 400,000 playgrounds in 170 countries. Search for playgrounds near you or across the world. This is a great app when you are traveling with kids.
FairsandFestivals.net lists festivals, craft shows, art fairs and events in your area or across the USA. Enter your zip code to get a current list. This is a great resource to use if you are going on vacation.
Apple Store Skills Workshops and Summer Camp for Kids
Find workshops for kids and adults at local Apple stores. Go here for current information.
Bank of America Museums on Us
Bank of America’s Museums on Us offers free admission to more than 150 museums nationwide. Simply present your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card along with a photo ID to gain free general admission to any participating institution. Cardholders only; guests are not eligible for free admission.
Barnes & Noble
Free Story Time, NOOK events and Author Events – Find the times and participating Barnes and Noble stores here under events.
Bowling – Kids Bowl Free all Summer
Kids Bowl for Free at select bowling centers. Just join their mailing list to get notified of the next Kids Bowl Free Day.
Broadway Week Two for One Tickets
Typically the first two weeks in September. Get two-for-one tickets for many of the top Broadway shows and musicals. Get more information here.
Factory Tours
FactoryToursUSA lists factory tours all across the USA, go here, The site has 570 tours listed and counting! Many are free but some may have an admission fee.
Flying Lessons for Kids
Young Eagles – kids ages 8 to 17 experience aviation and get free rides in private aircraft flown by experienced pilots. Get more information about Young Eagles here.
Home Depot Workshop for Adults & Kids
Check out the free hands-on workshops offered at your local Home Depot for adults and kids. Learn how to do many home projects yourself and kids enjoy the make-and-take workshops they offer. Get the schedule and pre-register for Home Depot workshops here.
Home and Garden Shows
If you like Home and Garden shows, this site will give you a free pass. Check the ACS Home Show site.
Lakeshore Learning Store
Kids make and take fun crafts in-store. Get more information for Lakeshore Learning Store Events here.
Lego Mini Model
Usually held monthly in stores, kids ages 6 to 14 can build models and take them home for free. Contact your closest LEGO® Store here for details.
Lowe’s Workshops
Are you looking to build your skills for the next home improvement project? Find small group workshops, women’s skills workshops and Kids” DIY Workshops. These are free, monthly, in-store events designed to grow confidence and DIY skillset. Get more information about Lowe’s Workshops here.
Major League Baseball Clinics for Kids
Kids can attend baseball clinics in many locations across the country through the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association. The program is called Legends for Youth Clinics.
Michael’s Craft Classes for Kids and Adults
Michaels offers crafting classes for kids and adults. Learn something new with in-store demonstrations for new craft ideas, techniques, and creative new trends. Get your local calendar of events right here from cake decorating, jewelry making, art painting, paper crafting, and more.
National Parks Free Entrance Days
Experience the national parks for free: on certain days, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates. Go to the National Park Service website for more information and to find all participating national parks.
Free National Parks Pass for 4th Graders
If you have a child in 4th grade this year, your family can get a free National Parks Annual Pass to give you free entry into national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and more! Teachers of 4th graders can also get passes to plan free National Park field trips.
REI Running Classes and Clinics
Learn or get back into running with training and techniques classes. Find out more at REI.com.
Roller Skating for Kids
Kids Roller Skate for Free: Find the closest participating facility here.
Sephora In-Store Beauty Classes and Store Events
Sign up for confidence-building beauty classes inside Sephora stores to learn everything from building a skincare routine to creating the perfect smoky eye. Check here for participating Sephora stores schedules and times.
SKI Passport for 5th Graders
Go to www.5thgradeskipassport.com to get a free pass in Idaho or the Pacific Northwest. For other areas, search for your state with the words “5th grade ski pass + your state”, or the name of your local ski resort.
Williams-Sonoma Free Technique Classes
Experience exclusive events, cooking classes free technique classes & product training. See the Williams-Sonoma class schedule and get more information. Some classes have a fee.
YOGA Month
September is National Yoga Month with over 1,600 yoga studios offering 1 free week of yoga classes during September and October for new students. Check with your local Yoga studio to see if they are participating.
Not Free or Cheap but Fun!
American Girl Special Store Events
Special events differ by location and are more prevalent during the holidays. The ones I saw today are not free but if you have an American Girl Doll lover and live near a store, be sure to check out their special events. I saw Princess Cookie Decorating, and Princess Painting Party & Launch, and Doll Hair & Manicure Day to name just a few.
Many of the American Girl in-store events have age restrictions. Get the details here and find participating American Girl stores.
Be sure to check out your local library and parks and recreation departments for free programs and events right in your hometown.
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